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SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS (SQG) DISPOSAL

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Small Business Hazardous Waste Disposal Pilot Program

Business Disposal Pilot Form (PDF, 320 KB) (Must have two completed, signed forms – see instructions.)
Disposal pilot form instructions and sample (PDF, 298 KB)
Disposal flyer (PDF, 493 KB)
Facilities and schedule
Acceptable and unacceptable wastes

What is an SQG?

An SQG is a business or other non-residential generator of hazardous waste that:

  1. Never generates more than 220 lbs. (approx. 27 gals.) of hazardous wastes and/or not more than 2.2 lbs. (approx. 1 qt.) of certain extremely hazardous wastes per calendar month and never accumulates more than 2,200 lbs (approx. five 55 gallon drums) of hazardous waste, or 2.2 lbs. of certain extremely hazardous wastes onsite at any time.
  2. Designates (properly identifies)hazardous wastes according to WAC 173-303-070.
  3. Manages hazardous wastes in a way that does not pose a potential threat to human health or the environment.
  4. Disposes of hazardous wastes in accordance with the Dangerous Waste Regulations, Washington Administrative Code Chapter 173-303. This pilot program is compliant with disposal regulations.

All of these provisions must be met or the business can become a fully regulated hazardous waste generator.

If you would like more details on the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations, visit www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/ or call an Environmental Inspector at 425-649-7000.

Why a pilot project?

This pilot project is offered to eligible small quantity hazardous waste generators (SQGs) in King County at no extra cost. We will use this project to decide the need and scope of a possible long-term collection program for small businesses with limited amounts of hazardous materials.

Purpose

  1. To find out if small businesses will dispose of small quantities of hazardous waste at household hazardous waste facilities.
  2. To survey those businesses in exchange for the opportunity to use the disposal facilities at no charge for a limited time.

Questions?

Call: Business Waste Line 206-263-8899, toll free 800-325-6165, ext. 3-8899 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed noon -1 p.m. and holidays. Call ahead to see if the facilities are operating before visiting.

Is my small business eligible for this project?

This project is for businesses that have small amounts of moderate risk hazardous waste (see Acceptable wastes) that are not enough to require a hazardous waste vendor.

This project is not for businesses that routinely generate hazardous waste and have regular pick-ups by a contracted vendor, or for businesses that generate extremely hazardous waste.

You must qualify as an SQG under the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations.

What will I need to do to participate?

All SQG participants are required to fill out a Business Disposal Pilot Form with the name, address and phone number of the business, and a responsible contact person’s name. Information must be printed legibly.

The customer will also list each hazardous waste and the amounts. The SQG must also complete a follow-up survey after using the service.

How do I get the Business Disposal Pilot Form?

Print and bring 2 completed copies – including the waste inventory section or call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 during business hours and a form will be mailed to you.

One copy is for your records and we recommend keeping it for a minimum of five years. One copy will be kept by the facility staff. Save time by filling it out before arriving at the disposal facility. Forms are also available at the facilities.

What will the post disposal survey ask?

Participants will be contacted to complete a short phone or mail survey after they have used the service. Questions include whether the service was valuable, if it should be continued into the future, what would be a reasonable fee, and what changes users would suggest.

May I hire a hauler to take my wastes to the facility?

No contract hauling is allowed to the pilot facilities. Your waste must be brought to the site by the owner/manager or a direct employee of the company.

What will participation cost me?

There is no fee at the time of service; it is funded by a surcharge on garbage and sewer services. To participate, businesses are required to complete the Business Disposal Pilot Form, and participate in a brief follow-up survey 2 to 4 weeks after using the service. Participation in the pilot implies agreement to these requirements.

How can I recycle unused materials I no longer need?

IMEX, the Industrial Materials Exchange, matches up waste generators with waste users.

Where can I take my hazardous waste during this pilot project?

You may take hazardous waste to the sites listed below. For more details and directions to our facilities visit our web site, or call our Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 during business hours.

Regular Wastemobile Service (Roving)

The Wastemobile travels to many communities providing hazardous waste disposal services for King County residents. Find schedules by city and date by visiting the Wastemobile web site, or call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 during business hours. Wastemobile operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Disposal facilities and schedule



How much can I take and what size containers are allowed?

At all Facilities

  • Limit 25 gallons (max. 220 pounds) per visit
  • Total load limit: 500 pounds per month (e.g., no more than 60 gallons of motor oil per month)
  • Containers must be 5 gallons or less and weigh less than 60 lbs. each
  • All containers regardless of contents are counted as full
  • A complete list of restrictions are located on the Disposal flyer (PDF, 493 KB)

How do I transport these chemicals?

All wastes must be delivered in their original containers or labeled containers.
All containers must be in good condition and not leaking.
Transport similar and compatible wastes together, upright and properly sealed.
Transport in a leak proof carrier.
Transport your hazardous wastes in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations 49 CFR. Visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov or call the Hazardous Materials Information Center at 800-467-4922; assistance in Spanish also available.

Which wastes are acceptable?

Wastes will be limited to the low and moderate risk hazardous wastes routinely collected at the facilities. These wastes include:

  • oil-based paints and stains (including used thinners)
  • paint-related materials (caulks, tars, etc.)
  • gasoline (up to 25 gallons)
  • solvents (chlorinated and non-chlorinated). Keep chlorinated solvents separate and properly labeled.
  • consumer pesticides and herbicides (over-the-counter pesticides that do not require an applicator license)
  • batteries (limited to five standard automotive batteries and no oversized batteries)
  • mercury-containing products (including thermostats, thermometers, and switches) except fluorescent tubes and bulbs
  • corrosives (limited to one gallon of hydrofluoric acid mixtures; nitric acid cannot exceed 75 percent strength)
  • oxidizers (no peroxides that exceed 60 percent strength)
  • automotive products (cleaners, degreasers, oil, grease)
  • flammable solids, such as road flares (no aerial flares)

Which wastes will not be accepted?

The following wastes are not accepted at the household hazardous waste collection facilities:

  • unknown and unlabeled wastes
  • more than 2.2 lbs. of extremely hazardous waste (waste with a 2.2 .pound ”quantity exclusion limit”)
  • fluorescent tubes and bulbs*
  • latex paint
  • non-hazardous waste
  • empty containers
  • oversized batteries
  • contaminated soils
  • high pressure compressed gas cylinders larger than one liter
  • ammunition
  • fireworks
  • explosives
  • aerial flares
  • television sets, computer monitors and other electronic devices
  • asbestos-containing materials
  • radioactive wastes
  • commercial grade pesticides and herbicides (for example, agricultural chemicals)
  • medical sharps and pharmaceutical wastes
  • nitric acid over 75 percent strength
  • peroxides over 60 percent strength or potentially unstable peroxides, such as old cans of ether
  • pyrophoric or reactive materials (phosphorus, sodium metal).

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County reserves the right to refuse any waste at any of its facilities.

*Fluorescent tubes and bulbs: The program does not accept fluorescent bulbs or tubes from businesses. Recycle fluorescent bulbs and tubes through a Take-It-Back Network member at www.takeitbacknetwork.org or ask for a brochure at the disposal facility. Call businesses for their recycling fees.

What if I want to get rid of some things that are not on the acceptable list or are in larger quantities than allowed?

Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., except holidays, to help you find out if your wastes are hazardous and disposal options.